The Curious Case of Indian Elections

The Maharashtra Navnirma Sena (MNS) has planned a strategic move for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to score over the Shiv Sena. The MNS is attempting to rectify its image as a Maharashtra based party which is opposed to North Indians. Shalini Thackeray, the first daughter-in-law from the Thackeray family to contest elections, is a Punjabi girl born in Uttar Pradesh. Shalini Thackeray is the wife of Jitendra Thackeray, MNS founder Raj Thackeray. MNS was founded in 2006 when Raj Thackeray abandoned Bal Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.
Shalini Thacheray is contesting from Mumbai North West seat and faces opposition from Shiv Sena’s Gajanan Kirtakar.
In the words of Shalini, “(There is this) wrong image that my party is against north Indians living or working in the state…” According to her, the MNS is simply opposed to the unchecked influx of people in Mumbai and Maharashtra. The issue of opposition to entry of non-Marathis is presented as a matter of socio-economics rather than regional divisions. In an attempt to enlighten Shalini Thackeray here are a few facts:
1. In February 2008 following the violent clashes between the workers of MNS and Samajvadi Party (SP) widespread attacks were launched against North Indians by the MNS cadres.
2. A Petition was filed against Party leader Raj Thackeray in the Patna High court for referring to the Chhath (a festival celebrated by Biharis) as ‘drama’.
3. In October 2008 members of the MNS beat up the North Indian candidates appearing for all India Railway Recruitment Board entrance exam for the Western region of Mumbai.
4. More recently, while launching the MNS poll campaign in Nasik in March this year, Raj Thackeray once again targeted the North Indians living in Maharashtra. He was later booked for this hate speech on charges of violating the model code of conduct and promoting enmity among groups.
Shalini Thackeray may possess a MBA from Massachusetts and claim that she is no Rabri Devi, but her political sagacity is undoubtedly questionable. She will most likely be used as a ‘poster politician’ for communicating the non-existent national agenda of the MNS in the upcoming polls. For Shalini her ability to prepare puran poli (a Marathi dish) and pakora curry (a Punjabi dish) with equal ease would influence the electorate and ensure her victory in the polls.
The most interesting point remains that Raj Thackeray, the self-professed guardian of Marathi culture, has announced the candidacy of an UPite from Mumbai.